Ralph Ernest Beck, the son of Henry and Mary Schoning Beck, was born December 26, 1926, in Clay County, Iowa. He received his early education in country schools. As a ninth grader, Ralph entered Spencer High School where he graduated in 1944.
Ralph married Dorothy Ida Scott on August 25, 1946, at the First Baptist Church in Spencer, Iowa. Following their marriage, they farmed near Royal, Iowa, moving to Spencer in 2000. Ralph continued farming until 2002. He also worked many years at Spencer Dairy Cattle Exchange. He was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church in Spencer where he held several offices including Deacon and Trustee and he taught 4th grade Sunday school. Following the death of their son, Norman, Ralph and Dorothy raised his two children, Jennifer and Nathan. Ralph never met a stranger. He enjoyed visiting with people and was an avid conversationalist. He enjoyed going for coffee with friends in Royal and to the Spencer and Rossie Elevators. He also enjoyed watching TV and traveling.
Ralph passed away on August 3, 2008, at Mercy Hospital Medical Center in Sioux City, Iowa, at the age of 81. He is preceded in death by his parents; one son, Norman; granddaughter, McKenzie Ann; son-in-law, David Maske; and one brother, Clarence.
He is survived by his wife, Dorothy of Spencer, IA; daughter, Linda Maske of Milford, IA; son, Tom and his wife, Julie of Sobieski, WI and son, Dennis of Spencer, IA; 8 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren; other relatives and many friends.
SERVICES
Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 A.M., Wednesday, August 6, 2008 at the First Baptist Church in Spencer.
OFFICIATING
Pastor Jon Pausley
Pastor Curtis Batschelet
CASKET BEARERS
Matthew Beck - Mark Beck
Michael Beck - Madison Beck
Jennifer Beck - Nathan Beck
Aaron Carpenter - Luke Dietrich
HONORARY CASKETBEARERS
Kent Thiesen - Rich Thiesen
Ron Roghair - Glen Roghair
Brian Batschelet - Earl Norgaard
Don Rosacker
VISITATION
Vistation will begin after 11:00 A.M., Tuesday with the family present from 6:00 - 8:00 P.M., Tuesday evening at the funeral home.
MUSIC
Organist - Brenda Sassman
"Amazing Grace"
By Jennifer Beck
"Because He Lives"
"Precious Lord, Take My Hand"
By Laura Carlentini
INTERMENT
Riverside Cemetery
Spencer, Iowa